Capsule encircling machine



Feb. s, 1955 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE sucmcuus MACHINE 8Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING mommaB'Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 Feb. 8, 1955 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 R.P. SCH ERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 8, 1955 R.P. SCHERER v 2,701,545

CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2, 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 8,1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 FiledAug. 2, 1952 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P; SCHERER- CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Aug. 2. 1952 5 m y ,o fl Z7M//m 0 4 g M W 9 My a aI MM w 1 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE FiledAug. 2; 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States Patent 2,701,545 CAPSULEENCIRCLING MACHINE Robert Pauli Scherer, Detroit, Mich., assignor to R.P. Scherer Corporation, Detroit, Mich-,a corporation of MichiganApplication August 2, 1952,1Serlal No. 302,450

19 Claims. (Cl. 118--219) This inventionrelates to a capsule encirchngmachine, that is, a machine which encircles capsules or othercylindrical objects with circles of ink or the like. 0

One object of the invention is to prov de a machine for applyingcolored'media such as an aqueous solution around capsules or othercylindrical ob ects in the form of narrow bands which on drying providecolored stripes sharply contrasting with the color of the gelatincapsule, the stripes giving the capsules a distlnctlve appearance.Location, width and number of encircling stripes as well as their colormay be varied to identify dlfferent contents of capsules having the samecolor or to act as'mdication of the product or of manufacturing Ollgll].

Another object is to provide an encircling machine which is adapted t6receive a mass of capsules m a hopper or thelike and to properly feedthe capsules to a capsule supporting rotor which carries them insequence to a capsule receiving station, an inking station and adischarge station.

Another object is to provide at the capsule receiving station areciprocably mounted feed tube to WhlCh the capsules are supplied in acolumn end-to-end and from which they may be discharged one at a. timeinto holding chucks of the rotor.

Still another object is to provide at the inking station of the machineinking wheels adapted to contact with the periphery of the capsules andapply circles of ink thereto, the capsules being rotated at this stationby a rotating chuck which also rotates the holding chuck as well as thecapsule during the inking operation.

A further object is to provide travel of the encircled capsules asubstantial distance from the wiring station to the discharge station sothat the ink is permitted to dry on the capsules before they aredischarged into chute or the like and subsequently fall into a tray orother container to be later packaged. v

Still a further object is to provide a rotating shaft with suitable camsand other driving mechanisms for the rotor to advance it intermittentlyor step-by-step and to reciprocate thefeed tube as well as the rotatingchuck for the purpose of automatically encircling the capsules withoutthe necessity of manual handling of any character.

An additional object is to provide a combination of compressed air andvacuum connections to the feed tube and the holding chucks of the rotorrespectively to effect proper discharge of the capsules from the feedtube and proper holding thereof by the holding chucks for subsequentengagement by the rotating chucks and for performing the g operation.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in theconstruction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of mycapsule encircling machine, whereby the objects contemplated areattained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claimsand illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a capsule encircl ng machine embodyingmy present invention, parts being broken away and other parts shown insection to illustrate details.

Figure 2 is a side e in cross section.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical view partly in section on the line 3-3of Figure 2 showing particularly the feeding of capsules from a hopperinto a selector and a coil spring that leads them to a feed tube of themachine.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the hne 4-4 of Figure 3 showingthe drive for feed tubes in the hoppers.

levation thereof with the base shown 2,701,545 Patented Feb. 8, 1955 2 1Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 3showing details of a selector.

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view substantially on theline 66 of Figure 2 and shows the recipro- 5 eating mechanism for therotating chucks and the feed tubes of the machine.

. Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view on the line 77 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a'vertical sectional view on the line 8-4 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a horizonta of Figure 8. 1

Figure 10 is' an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 6showing the capsule feed tube with the parts in one position during theoperation thereof.

Figure 11 is a similar view showing the parts in a different position.

Figure 12 is a detail vert 12- 1z of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a vertical detail sectional view on the line 13 13 ofFigure 11.

Figure 14 is a further enlarged detail view on the line 14-14 of Figure2, this detail being enlarged in respect to that shown in Figure 6. 25 IFigure 15 is a sectional view on the line 1515 of Figure 14, these twofigures showin the inking mechanism. I Figure 16 is also a verticalsectio al view of the inking mefllignism as taken on the lines 1616 ofFigures 9 an Figure 17 is a horizontal sectional view taken on tho line1717 of Figure 16. 1

Figures 18 to 20 are enlarged details showing the chucking anddechucking operations, Figure 20 being a detail sectional view on theline 20-20 of Figure 19; and 35 Figures 21 and 22 are enlarged detailsshowing the engaging and retracting operations of the rotating'chuck forencircling of the capsule.

On the accompanying drawings I have used the reference numeral 25to'indicate a supporting frame for my capsule encircling machine. Themachine itself has the various parts thereof mounted on a base plate 26which 1s supported on the top of the frame 25.

The mechanism of the encircling machine includes a drum-like rotor 28mounted on a shaft 29 which is jour- 45 naled in bearings 30, thebearings being supported by a suitable framework extending upwardly fromthe base plate-26. This framework includes a yoke 32 from which a post33 extends upwardly to support a hopper 34.

The rotor 28 as will hereinafter appear is adapted to support capsules162 located adjacent its periphery and projecting from each of its twosides. I provide a dual 1 sectional view on the line 9-9 ical sectionalview on the line capsule feeding means for the two sides of the rotorand each comprises a hopper throat 36 (see Figure 3) in which a hopperfeed tube 37 is rotatable, the upper end of the feed tube beingmutilated for orienting the capsules 162 in 'the hopper and feeding themin a column end-to-end to a conduit 38 which may comprise a coil spring.This coil spring extends downwardly to a capsule feed tube 39.

For rotating the hopper feed tube 37, I provide a pulley 41 thereonbelted by a belt 42 to a pulley 43. The pulley 43 is driven by a gearreducer 44 which in turn is driven by an electric motor 45. As shown inFigure 4, there arg two of the belts- 42 for driving the two hopper feedto es.

Interposed between the hopper feedv tube 37 and the conduit 38 is aselector 47 (see Figure 3-omitted from Figures 1 and 2) having anopenable door 48 preferably formed of transparent material. A latch pin49 (see Figure 5) is provided for latching the door 48 closed, and alatch release button 50 carries the pin 49 for releasing the same.

'A plate 51 is provided with a stud 52 slidable in the selector 47' andbiased ,toward the right in Figure 5 by a spring 53. The plate 51carries an upper'capsule holding pin 55, a lower guard pin 55a, and acapsule ejecting pin 56, and the purpose of the selector is to catch anyodd-shaped capsules such as the capsule 162a usually called a -banana'capsule, as it is unsuitable for encircling. The bore of the selector 47(formed partly in the door 48) is tapered for this purpose as shown inFigure 3.

When such a capsule 162a is caught in the selector the pin 50 may bedepressed for permitting the spring 53 to throw the door 48 openwhereupon the pins 55, 55a and 56 move into the bore of the selector,the pin 55 holding the row of capsules above the selector, pin 55apreventing the ejected capsule 162a from-entering the tube 38 while thethird pin 56 acts as an ejector for forcing the capsule 162a out of theselector. The selector 47 and the hopper feed tube 37 are shown andclaimed in my copending application, Serial No. 276,866, filed March 15,1952.

For rotating the rotor ,28 and for operating'the various mechanisms ofmy encircling machine, I provide a main shaft 58 journaled in bearings59 (see Figures 1 and 6). A pulley 60 is mounted on the shaft 58 and isbelted by a belt 61 to a pulley 62. The pulley 62 is driven by a gearreducer 63 which in turn is driven by a motor 64.

A motor support 66 is provided for the motor 64 and is hinged at 67. Itis provided with an adjustment 68 for the purpose of tightening the belt61 when required.

One rotation of the main shaft 58 constitutes one cycle of operation ofthe encircling machine. During such cycle, the rotor 28 is advanced thedistance of one rotor division represented by the distance between theholding chucks 70 carried thereby. Intermittent rotation of the rotor 28is effected by a ratchet wheel 71 for driving the rotor shaft 29, and apawl 72 coacting therewith and carried by an oscillatable rod 73, thetwo being pivoted together at 74. A pawl spring 89 is secured to the rod73 for biasing the pawl 72 toward the ratchet wheel 71. The rod 73 isslidable in a guide sleeve 76 secured to the base plate 26 as shown inFigure 7 and is provided with a rod extension 77 on its lower endcarrying a roller 78.

To prevent rotation of the rod 73 in the guide sleeve 76, I provide apin 91 mounted in the sleeve and passing through a slot 90 of the rod. Aspring 92 is interposed between the pin 91 and a shoulder 93 of the rod73 to return the rod downwardly and keep the roller 78 in contact withthe cam 79. The roller 78 rides a cam 79 on a countershaft 80. A gear 82is mounted on the countershaft 80 and meshes with the gear 83 on themain shaft 58, the gears being the same size so as to effect onerotation of the countershaft 80 during a cycle of operation of themachine.

With further reference to the details in respect to the intermittent orstep-by-step drive for the rotor 28, the rotor shaft 29 has securedthereto an arm 85. This arm extends through an opening 84 in the ratchetwheel 71 and is engaged on opposite sides by set vscrews 86 carried bythe ratchet wheel.

At this point it might be well to mention that there are three operatingstations of the encircling machine. These are indicated at A, B and C inFigure 7, and they are two holding chuck divisions apart. The station Ais a loading station where capsules are loaded into the holding chucks.The station B is an inking station where the capsules are engaged by arotating chuck and rotated and inked, and station C is a dischargestation for the encircled capsules. The rotor 28 rotates clockwise. Theadjustment 8586 permits the holding chuck 70 to be properly aligned atthe stations A, B and C when the ratchet wheel 71 is stopped in apredetermined position.

For predetermining the position of the ratchet wheel, a stationarybracket 87 is provided and an adjusting screw 88 is carried thereby forthe pawl 72 to positively engage against. This screw is adjusted so thatall elements (77, 73 and 74) from the cam 79 to the adjustmg screw aresnugly engaged when the peak of the cam 79 engages the roller 78. Oncethe adjustment 88 is made the position of the ratchet wheel 71 at theend of an operating cycle is predetermined whereby the ad usting screws86 may be adjusted for lining up the holdlng chuck 70 with the stationsA, B, and C as already referred to. To prevent backlash of theratchetingmechamsm, a brake 98 is provided and adjusting screws 99 maybe used for adjusting the tension to the proper degree.

The capsule feed tube 39 and rotary chucks later to be described areoperated through mechanism from the main shaft 58. These mechanisms arein timed relat1on to the rotation of the shaft and in 9 d? to P y Hsleeve 143 journaled in a stationary bearing 144.

time the intermittent rotation of the rotor 28 with these mechanisms Iprovide a projection 96 on the gear 82 and a bifurcated arm on thecountershaft 80 which are adjustablyconnected together by means of setscrews 97 carried by the bifurcated arm and engaging opposite sides ofthe projection 96 as shown in Figure, 7.

Referring particularly to Figures 6 and 10 to tion A in the followingdescribed manner. The tube is welded to a mounting block 100 which has aslide rod 101 pinned at 109 therein. The rod slides in a bearing sleeve102 which is stationarily mounted on a frame plate 118 and the bearingsleeve carries a guide bar 103 adapted to coact with the bifurcatedlower end 104 of the mountingblock 100 as shown partic ularly in Figure13. t

For reciprocating the capsule feed tube 39 I provide an arm 106 pivotedat 107 to the frame of the machine. It has a bifurcated upper end 108through which the pin 109 extends. The lower end of the arm 106 isbifurcated as indicated at 110 and is provided with a roller 111. Thisroller travels in the cam groove of a capsule feed tube cam 112.

Referring to Figure 6, it will be. noted there are two cams 112, andlikewise two of the feed tubes 39 and two of the mechanisms forreciprocating them inasmuch as the holding chucks 70 are'provided onboth sides of the rotor 48 sothat dual 0 erations are performedtllilroughout the cycle of operation of the encircling mac me.

Referring to Figure 11, a capsule holding element 114 is shown which isformed of spring wire. It is supported in a rod 115 secured by a bracket116 to the frame plate 118. It has an inclined capsule engaging end 114aextending through a slot 119 through the upper wall of the feed tube 39.

A compressed air conduit 121 is connected with the capsule feed tube 39so as to discharge tangently thereinto as shown particularly in Figure10. A flexible hose 122 is connected therewith as shown in Figure 6 forsupplying compressed air continuously to the conduit 121 for a purposewhich will hereinafter appear. Each capsule holding chuck 70 as shown inFigures 10, 18, 19 and 20 is rotatable in a bearing sleeve 124 pressedinto a cavity 128 of the rotor 28. The holding chuck 70 has a cup-shapedouter end in which is received an insert 127 of resilient material suchas rubber or Neoprene.

A spring 125 is force fitted into the chuck 70 and an eccentric 126 isforcefitted on the inner end of the spring as shown best in Figure 18.The eccentric 126 is slightly less in diameter than the journaled partof the chuck 70 and the spring 125 permits the eccentric to be enteredthrough the bore of the bearing sleeve 124 to the position shown inFigure 18 whereupon the eccentric snaps up to the position shown thereinfor retaining the chuck 70 assembled with respect to the rotor, yetpermitting removal thereof by anerely pulling out the chuck so thatachuck of a different size for a different capsule may be readilyinserted. Also the .pin 109 of Figure 10 may be removed and the feedtube 39 replaced by one of another size for a different size of capsule162.

Means is provided for applying vacuum to the interior of the insert 127consisting of a passageway 129 in the rotor 28 leading to the cavity128, a port 130 in a shoe 131, and a vacuum conduit 137 connected withthe port 130 as shown in Figure 7 to which a vacuum hose 138 isconnected. The shoe 131 is slidable in a shoe carrier 132 and is heldengaged with an internal surface 134 of the rotor 28 by apair of springs133. Angle brackets 135 are secured to the frame of the machine andcarry adjusting screws 136 for engaging opposite sides of the shoecarrier 132 to adjust the port 130 so that it properly overlaps stationsA and B of the encircling machine.

Describing now the mechanism at station 13, reference being made toFigures 7, 6, l4, 15, 21 and 22, a rotating chuck 140 is provided foreach side of the rotor 28. Describing one of the chucks, it hasashaft-like extension 141 keyed at 142 for sliding movement in a An arm146 is mounted on a rock shaft 147 and has a bifurcated upper end 148. Apivot block 149 is mounted in the bifurcated upper end of the arm 146and is 12, each capsule feed tube 39 is reciprocably mounted atstarotatable and non-slidable relative to the chuck shaft 141. The block149 is provided with pintles 150 located in slots 151 of the arm 146 androllers 152 are mounted on the pintles and in the slots for reducingfriction at' this point. g

An arm 154 is also secured to the rock shaft 147 as shown particularlyin Figure 14 and on its lower end carries a roller 155 adapted to coactwith the groove of a rotating chuck cam 156.

The arms 146 and 154 have extensions to the right of the rock shaft 147as shown in which a spring 157 is located. I An adjusting screw 158determines the angle of the arm 146 relative to the arm 154 for settingthe right hand limit of movement of the chuck 140 shown in this figureso as to accommodate longer or shorter capsules than the oneillustrated.

Each chuck 140 is provided with an ejecting in 159 backed by a spring160. In the chuck is a chuc insert 161 of resilient material such asrubber or Neoprene, the 'purpose of which will hereinafter appear.

For rotating each of the two chucks 140, 1 provide a sprocket 163 on themain shaft 58 and a chain 164 extending therefrom to a second sprocket165 mounted on Figure 14 between the sleeve 143. The speed ratio is suchthat the chuck is rotated somewhat more than one revolution during eachcycle of operation to insure complete encircling 'of the capsule withthe line of ink which is shown at 166.

The inking mechanism will now be described. Reference is madeparticularly to Figures 6, 8, 9, l6 and 17 for this purpose. Ink wheels168 are shown (two for each side of the rotor 28). Each ink wheel has anink wheel shaft 169 journaled in bearings 170 and these hearings arecarried by arms 171. The arms 171 are oscillatably mounted on astationary pivot shaft 172 mounted in inner stationary brackets 173,outer stationary brackets 174, and intermediate stationary brackets 175.These are shown respectively 173, 175 and 174 from top to bottom inFigure 17.

Each of the brackets 173 and 175 is provided at its right hand end witha guide plate 176 located between hardened wear buttons 177 carried bythe arms 171 so that side slop in the ink wheel ends of the arms isminimiied by reason of the buttons 177 sliding against the oppositefaces of the guide plates 176 as the ink wheels are raised and loweredas will hereinafter appear. The brackets 173 and 175 are rigidlyconnected together by means of tie bolts 178 and 179 with spacer sleeves180 and 181 on them as shown in Figure 17. The arms 171 are bifurcatedas shown in Figures 16 and 17 to clear the ink wheel drive shaft l83 asthe arms are rocked on the shaft 172.

I provide an ink wheel drive shaft 183 suitably journaled in thebrackets 173, 174 and 175, there being a single shaft 183 for both setsof ink wheels. On the right hand end of this shaft, as shown in Figure6, I

, provide a gear 184 meshing with a pinion 185 on a pinion shaft 186. Asprocket 187 on the shaft 186 is connected to a sprocket 189 on thedrive shaft 58 by a chain 188. The drive ratios are such that theperiphery of the ink wheel 168 will rotate at substantially the samespeed as the surface of the capsule 162a being encircled with the lines166.

An ink wheel pressure spring 191 is provided for each ink wheel 168. Anadjusting screw 192 is provided for the spring, the spring beinginterposed between a stationary bracket 190 and the adjusting screw 192which is carried by the arm 171. The tension of the spring is adjusted(for the particular size of capsule being operated upon) to lightlyengage the ink wheel 168 therewith.

For retracting the ink wheel 168 from the capsule, I provide an inkwheel disengaging cam 193 on the main shaft 58. A rock arm 194 ispivoted at 195 and carries rollers 196 and 197 on its opposite ends. Theroller 196 is adapted to engage the cam 193 and the roller 197 to engagea wear pad 198 on a cross bar 199. As shown best in Figure 14, the crossbar 199 is supported on the lower ends of vertically extending slide'rod 200. An upper cross bar 201 is connected with the upper ends ofthese rods and the rods slide in slide bearings 205. Return springs 202are located on the rods 200 between the bearings 205 and the bar 201 tobias the bar 199 toward engagement with the roller 197 and thereby theroller 196 into engagement with the cam 193.

An operative connection between the upper cross bar a bar 201. Theadjustment at 204 permits individual adjustment of each of the inkwheels 168 for proper spacing from the capsule when the lobe of the cam193 pulls the bar 201 downwardly.

. For applying ink to the peripheries of the ink wheel 168, I provide anink cup 207 for each pair of wheels. e ink is shown at 208 therein andthe level is such that only the peripheral edges of the wheels dip intoit. This level .is maintained by an ink tube arrangement 209 feedingfrom an ink reservoir 210 on the fountain" principle, that is, the levelof the ink when it lowers below the ink tube 209 permits entrance of airinto the reservoir 210, which is sealed to atmosphere except through theink tube 209. Thus the level is maintained as desired at all times aslong as there is ink in the reservoir 210.

Adjacent the discharge station C, I provide a projection 212 fixedlymounted on the frame of the machine, as best shown in Figures 8 and 9.When the capsule 162 strikes the projection 212, it is knocked out ofthe holding chuck 70 and drops into a discharge chute 213. It may thendrop into a container 214 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the containerwhen filled may be removed for transfer to the packaging department andanother container placed on the shelf of the frame 25 to receive furthercapsules being encircled.

Practical operation In the operation of my encircling machine, thecapsules 162 may be dumped at random into the hopper 134 and the motors45 and 64 energized for operating the machine. The hopper feed tubes 37will rotate in the hopper throats 136 for orienting the capsules 162 andfeeding them in a column end-to-end down the feed tube through theselector 47 and into the spring conduits 38. Since these conduits areflexible and are connected to reciprocatmg feed tubes 39, they areconstantly agitated by the reciprocations of the feed tubes for properfeeding of the column down to the position shown for instance in Figure11. In this figure, the lead capsule is shown at 1620 and is held by thespring finger 114:! against discharge even though compressed air isbeing supplied constantly through the conduit 121 and through the feedtube 39 in a direction to tend to discharge the column of capsules fromthe right-hand end of the feed tube.

About the time one of the holding chucks 70 reaches the position shownin Figure 10 in alignment with the feed tube 39, the tube isreciprocated toward the right as shown and the rear edge of the slot ll9lifts the fingers 114a so that the lead capsule 162a'may be blown by thecompressed air into the insert 127 of the holding chuck 70 and itsmovement thereinto is facilitated by the application of vacuum to theinterior of the insert 127 as in Figures 18 and 19, the passageway 129for this particular holding chuck being at that time in registry withthe port 130 of the shoe 131.

Accordingly, the vacuum produces a suction through the interior of thespring 125 and aids the action of the compressed air by sucking on theadvance end of the capsule 1620 to firmly seat it in the insert 127.Thereafter the feed tube 39 is reciprocated in the opposite directionback to the position of'Figure 11 to clear the capsule now held by thechuck 70 and permit it to move on to another station of the machine.

When the capsule 162a reaches the station B, the rotating chuck 140 andits shaft 141 are reciprocated toward the right to the position shown inFigures 14 and 21. As shown in Figure 22, the ejector pin 159 isnormally the ejector pin engages the capsule, it is forced back againstthe action of the spring as shown in Figure 21 and the insert 161 isforced over the outer end of the capsule 162a, the outer end of theinsert being slightly constricted as shown in Figure 14 for the purposeof securing a good grip on the capsule.

As already described, the shaft 141 and the chuck are rotating so thatwhen the insert 161 engages the capsule. it rotates the capsule and alsorotates the holding chuck 70 for the capsule. Soon after rotationstarts, the ink .wheel disengaging cam 193 assumes a position thatpermits the ink wheels 168 to engage the capsule as in Figure 21 andstart the encircling indicated at 166.

spouses Adjacent the end of the cycle, the chuck 149 is retracted as inFigure 22 and during the retraction the ejector pin is forced outwardlyby the spring 160 to aid in disengaging the insert 161 from the capsule.Also to prevent the capsule from being withdrawn from the holding chuck,the vacuum is still applied at this time as evident by observing Figure7 as the holding chuck at station B is still in communication with theport 130 of the vacuum shoe 131. At this time the ink encircling iscompleted as shown at 166 in Figure 22.

The freshly inked capsule is now carried around almost a complete circleby the rotator 28 from station E clockwise in Figure 7 to station Cwhere the capsule is knocked off by the projection 212 and drops intothe discharge chute 213 as shown at 16% in Figure 8. The distance oftravel of the capsule from station B to station C permits time for theink encircling 166 to dry before the capsule is knocked off into thechute 213 and thereby smearing of the ink is prevented.

From the foregoing specification, it is believed obvious that I haveprovided an efiicient encircling machine for capsules and the like whichmay be operated at relatively high speed and properly encircles eachcapsule that passes through the machine, drys the 'circles of inkthereon, and discharges the capsules for subsequent packaging. Achucking arrangement is provided which is high speed in operation andpositive in action, yet at the same time does not impose undue strainson the capsules so as to fracture them.

The application of compressed air and vacuum in coniunction with eachother for the chucking operation insures foolproof operation of themachine for chucking and dechucking with assurance that the dechuckedcapsule will remain held by the holding-chuck 70 until the capsule isproperly dried and knocked off at station C into the discharge chute.Adjustments throughout the machine have been provided to coordinate alloperations with respect to each other and assure each operationoccurring at the proper time during the operating cycle of the machine.At the same time, it is possible to adjust the machine for differentsize capsules within certain limits by changing the holding and rotatingchucks and adjusting the screws 158 in Figure 14 for length of capsule.

If it is desirable to apply only one band of color to the capsule, thismay be accomplished by suitable adjustment of the appropriate screws 204to prevent one or the other of the pair of ink wheels 168 fromcontacting the capsule in the uppermost limit of movement of the bar201.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of theparts of my capsule encircling machine without departing from the realspirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover bymy claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanicalequivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for impartingintermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chuckscarried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, saidcapsule holding chucks being rotatable in said rotor, a reciprocablymounted capsule feeding tube at one station of said rotor, means forfeeding a column of capsules end-to-end to said feeding tube, saidfeeding tube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom toenter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air tosaid feeding tube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof,means for normally holding the capsules against discharge under theaction of such compressed air,

reciprocable means for moving said feeding tube toward and away fromsaid rotor and a capsule holding chuck at said one station, saidreciprocable means serving to render said holding means inoperative whensaid feeding tube is moved toward said rotor, whereby the compressed airin said feeding tube can move the column of capsules and engage the leadcapsule in said holding chuck, a vacuum connection with the holdingchuck at said station to aid in the movement of the lead capsule intothe holding chuck. said reciprocable means then operating to retractsaid feeding tube away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatablechuck for rotating the capsule held by the holding chuck, means forrotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck being at a secondstation of said rotor, means for driving said rotating chuck, means formoving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of thecapsule heldby the holding chuck for rotating the capsule and theholding chuck, a rotatable inking wheel at said second station, meansfor rotating said inking wheel, means for moving said inking wheelbodily mto engagement with the capsule as it is rotated to enc rcle thecapsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking wheel andsaid rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule wherebyit is held only by the holding chuck, said vacuum connection with saidholding chuck being maintained during the retraction of the rotatablechuck, and means for engaging the capsule held by said holding chuck ata third station of said rotor for disengaging the capsule from theholding chuck, said third station immediately preceding said firststation to permit drying of the ink on the capsules as they travel fromsaid second station to said third station.

2. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for impartingintermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chuckscarried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, areciprocably mounted capsule feed tube at one station of said rotor,means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end thereto, said feedtube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter saidcapsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feedtube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, reciprocablemeans for moving said feed tube toward and away from said rotor and acapsule holding chuck at said station, the compressed air moving thecolumn of capsules and engaging the lead capsule in said holding chuck,a vacuum connection with the holding chuck at said station to aid in themovement of the lead capsule into the holding chuck,

said reciprocable means then moving said feed tube in a direction awayfrom said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating thecapsule, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuckbeing located at a second station of said rotor, means for moving saidrotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of the capsule heldby the holding chuck for rotating the capsule, a rotatable inking wheelat said second station, means for rotating said inking wheel, means formoving said inking wheel bodily into engagement with the capsule as itis rotated to encircle the capsule with a line of ink, means forretracting said inking wheel and said rotatable chuck and disengagingthe chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by the holding chuck,said vacuum connection with said holding chuck being maintained duringthe retraction of the rotating chuck, and means for engaging the capsuleheld by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor fordisengaging the capsule from the holding chuck, said third stationimmediately preceding said first station to permit drying of the ink onthe capsules as they travel from said second station to said thirdstation. I

3. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for impartingintermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chuckscarried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, areciprocably mounted capsule feed tube at one station of said rotor,means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end thereto, said feedtube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter saidcapsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feedtube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, reciprocablemeans for moving said feed tube' toward and away from said rotor and acapsule holding chuck at said station, the compressed air moving thecolumn of capsules and engaging the lead capsule in said holding chuck,said reciprocable means for moving said feed tube then moving it in adirection away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuckfor rotating the capsule, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, saidrotatable chuck being located at a second station of said rotor, meansfor moving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end ofthe capsule held by the holding chuck for rotating the capsule, arotatable inking wheel at said second station, means for rotating saidinking wheel, means for moving said inking wheel bodily into engagementwith the capsule as it is rotated to encircle the capsule with a line ofink, means for retracting said inking wheel and said rotatable chuck anddisengaging the chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by theholding chuck, and means for engaging the capsule held by said holdingchuck at a third station of said rotor for disengaging the capsule fromthe holding chuck.

4. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supportingcapsules, a plurality of holding chuck-s can'ied by said rotor androtatable relative thereto, each of said holding chucks having aresilient socket member to receive one end of the capsule, said socketmember being hollow, a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suctionaction on the capsule end at a loading station of said rotor, areciprocably mounted 'feed tube at said loading station, means forsupplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means forreciprocating said feed tube whereby it moves toward and then away froma holding chuck at said station, means for releasing the lead capsuletherefrom as said feed tube moves toward said holding chuck, compressedair means for effecting movement of said lead capsule into said socketmember of said holding chuck, means for advancing said rotorstep-by-step and thereby said holding chuck to an inking station of saidrotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck at said inking station,means for reciprocating said rotatable chuck whereby it moves toward thecapsule in said holding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatablechuck having a resilient socket member to receive the other end of thecapsule and rotate it and the holding chuck, inking means at said inkingstation for the capsule as it is rotated, said rotatable chucksubsequently moving away from said holding chuck to disengage thecapsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, said rotatable chuckhaving an ejecting means and said vacuum connection to said holdingchuck being maintained to aid in insuring disengagement of -therotatable chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsule by theholding chuck, and means for removing the capsules from said holdingchucks at a discharge station of said rotor substantially spaced fromsaid inking station to permit drying of the ink on the capsules as theytravel between the inking station and the discharge station.

5. In a. capsule encircling machine, a rotor, a plurality of capsulehqlding chucks carried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of acapsule, a reciprocably mounted capsule feed tube atone station of saidrotor, means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end to said feedtube, said feed tube being adapted for the discharge of capsulestherefrom to enter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplyingcompressed air to said feed tube in a direction toward said dischargeend thereof, means for normally holding the capsules against dischargeunder the action of such compressed air, reciprocable means for movingsaid feed tube toward and away from said rotor and a capsule holdingchuck at said station, said reciprocable means serving to render saidholding means inoperative when said feed tube is moved toward saidrotor, whereby .the compressed air can move the column of capsules andengage the lead capsule in said holding chuck, said reciprocable meansfor moving said feed tube then moving it in a direction away from saidrotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating the capsuleheld by the holding chuck, said rotatable chuck being at a secondstation of said rotor, means for moving said rotatable chuck intoengagement with the other end of the capsule held by the holding chuckfor rotating the capsule, inking means at said second station, means forholding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatable chuck having aresilient socket member to receive the other end of the capsule androtate it, and inking means for the capsule as it is rotated, saidrotatable chuck subsequently moving away from said holding chuck todisengage the capsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, saidrotatable chuck having an ejecting means,- and said vacuum connection tosaid holding chuck'being main tained to aid in insuring disengagement ofthe rotatable" chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsule bythe holding chuck, and means for removing the capsule from said holdingchuck.

7. In an encircling machine of the character disclosed, a rotor forsupporting capsules, a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chuckscarried by said rotor, each of sa1d hold1ng chucks having a resilientsocket member to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station ofsaid rotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means forsupplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means forreciprocating said feed tube and discharging by compressed air a capsuletherefrom into a holding chuck at said station, means for moving saidrotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at anotherstation, rotatably mounted means at said another station for supportingthe other end of the capsule, rotatably mounted inking means at saidanother station, said rotatable holding chuck, supporting means andinking means constituting banding means for applying a band of ink tothe capsule, and means operatively associated with said banding meansfor efiecting relative rotation between the capsule and said inkingmeans.

8. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supportingcapsules, a plurality of holding chucks rotatably carried by said rotor,each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receiveone end of the capsule, a vacuum connection therewith to efiect asuction action on the capsule end, a reciprocably mounted feed tube,means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means forreciprocating said feed tube whereby it moves toward and then away froma holding chuck, means for releasing the lead capsule therefrom as saidfeed tube moves toward said holding chuck, compressed air means foreffecting movement of said lead capsule into said socket member of saidholding chuck, means for advancing said rotor step-by-step and therebysaid holding chuck to an inking station of said rotor, a reciprocablymounted rotatable chuck at said inking station, for rotating the capsuleheld by the holding chuck, means for rotating said rotatable chuck,means for reciprocating said rotatable chuck whereby it moves toward thecapsule in said holding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatablechuck having a resilient socket member to receive the other end of thecapsule and rotate it and the holding chuck, inking means at said inkingstation for the capsule as it is rotated, said rotatable chucksubsequently moving away from said holding chuck to disengage thecapsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, said vacuum connectionto said holding chuck being maintained to aid in insuring disengagementof the rotatable chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsuleby the holding chuck, and means for removing moving said inking meansinto engagement with the v capsule as it is rotated to encircle thecapsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking means andsaid rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule wherebyit is held only by the holding chuck, means for engaging the capsuleheld by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor fordisengaging it from the holding chuck.

6. A capsule encircling machine comprising a plurality of rotatablymounted holding chucks each having a resilient socket member to receiveone end of a capsule, said socket member being hollow, a vacuumconnection therewith to effect a suction action on the capsule end, areciprocably mounted feed tube, means for supplying a column of capsulesto said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube whereby itmoves toward and then away from said holding chuck, means for releasingthe lead capsule therefrom as said feed tube moves toward said holdingchuck, compressed air means for effecting movement of said lead capsuleinto said socket member of said holding chuck, a rotatably andreciprocably mounted chuck for rotating a capsule, means for rotatingsaid rotatable chuck, means for reciprocating said rotatable chuckwhereby it moves toward the capsule in said the capsule from saidholding chuck after the drying of the ink thereon.

9. In an encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, aplurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor,each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receiveone end of a capsule at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocablymounted feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column ofcapsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube anddischarging compressed air into said feed tube at said loading stationto discharge a capsule therefrom into a holding chuck, means for movingsaid rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented atanother station, rotatably mounted means at said another station forsupporting the other end of the capsule, rotatably mounted inking meansat said another station, said rotatable holding chuck, supporting meansand inking means constituting banding means for applying a band of inkto the capsule, and means operatively associated between the capsule andsaid inking means.

10. In an encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, aplurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor,each of said holding chucks having feed tube at said station, means forsupplying a column of capsules to said feedtube, means for reciprocatingsaid feed tube and discharging by compressed air a capsule therefrominto a holding chuck at said station, means for moving said rotor'sothat said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station,means at said another station for inking the capsule, said socket memberbeing hollow, a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction actionon the capsule end as it enters said socket member, and a rotatablechuck at said another station for-engaging the other end of the capsuleand rotating the same while it is being ink encircled.

11. In an encircling machine of the type including inking means, meansfor rotatably supporting a capsule, comprising a rotatably mountedholding chuck having a resilient socket member to receive one end of acapsule, a reciprocably mounted feed tube, means for supplying a columnof capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tubeand discharging by compressed air a capsule therefrom into said holdingchuck, means for moving said supporting means so that said holding chuckand capsule are presented to the inking means for inking a band aroundthe capsule, and a rotatablechuck for engaging the other end of thecapsule and rotating the same whileit is being inked.

12. An encircling machine of thecharacter disclosed, comprising a rotorfor supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatable holding chucks carriedby said rotor, 'each of said holding chucks having a resilient socketmember to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of saidrotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means forsupplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means forreciprocating said feed tube, discharge means controlled byreciprocation of said feed tube for discharging by compressed air acapsule from the feed tube into a holding chuck at said station, meansfor moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule arepresented at another station for inking the capsule there- 'at, inkingmeans at said another station, said socket memher being hollow andhaving a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction action on thecapsule end as it enters said socket member, a rotatable chuck at saidanother station for rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck,means for rotating said rotatable chuck, and a resilient insert in saidrotatable chuck for engaging .and gripping the other end of the capsuleand rotating the same while it is being ink encircled.

13. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supportingcapsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said rotor androtatable relative thereto, a feed tube at one station of said machine,means for feeding a column of capsules thereto, means for supplyingcompressed air into said tube for discharging the capsules therefromtoward said holding chucks, means at another station of the machine forengaging and rotating the capsule held by said holding chucks and meansat said another station for applying ink thereto, said engaging androtating means comprising a rotatable chuck reciprocably mounted formovement toward the capsule,

means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck having anejecting pin resiliently mounted therein for ejecting the capsule withrespect to the rotatable chuck when the chuck is reciprocated away fromthe capsule, and a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid in thereceipt of the capsule therein and in retention of the capsule as therotatable chuck is disengaged therefrom. 1

14. An encircling machine of the character disclosed, comprising a rotorfor supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatable holding chucks carriedby said rotor, each of said holding chucks having a resilient socketmember to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of saidrotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means forsupplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means forreciprocating said feed tube, discharge means controlled byreciprocation of said feed tube for discharging by compressed air acapsule from the feed tube into a holding chuck at said station, meansfor moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule arepresented at another station for inking the capsule there,-

at, inking means at said another station, a rotatable chuck at saidanother station for gripping the other end of the capsule and rotatingthe same while it is being ink enl2 circled, and a spring'eirtendedejector in said rotatable chuck, and means for driving said rotatablechuck.

15. A capsule encircling machine comprising a holding chuck forreceiving-one end of a capsule, a feed tube aligned therewith, means forfeeding a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for supplyingcompressed air mto said tube for discharging the capsule therefromtoward said holding chuck, means for engaging and rotatmg a capsule heldby said holding chuck, inking means for applying ink to the capsule,said engaging and rotating means comprising a rotatable chuckreciprocably mounted for movement toward said holding chuck, means forrotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck having an ejectingpin resiliently mounted therein for ejecting the capsule with respect tosaid rotatable chuck when the rotating chuck is reciprocated away fromsaid holding chuck, and. a vacuum connection to said holding chuck toaid in the receipt of the capsule therein. and in retention of thecapsule as said rotatable chuck 1S reciprocated in said last mentioneddirection.

16. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supportingcapsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said rotor androtatable relative thereto, a feed tube at one station of said machine,means for feeding a column of capsules thereto, means for dischargingcompressed air into said tube for discharging the capsulestherefromtoward said holding chuck, means at another station of themachine for engaging and rotating the cap 'sule held by said holdingchuck, inking means at said gaging and rotating means compri g arotatable chuck reciprocably mounted for movement oward the capsule,means for driving said rotatable chuck, a vacuum connection to saidholding chuck to aid in the receipt of the another station for inkencirclinggtgj capsule, said encapsule therein and in retention of thecapsule when the rotating chuck is disengaged therefrom, said rotorcarrying the encircled capsule a substantial distance to a dischargestation of the rotor, and a'projection at said station for engaging thecapsule and knocking it out of the 40 holding chuck.

17. A capsule encircling machine comprising a holding chuck forreceiving one end of a capsule, a feed tube aligned therewith, means forfeeding a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for dischargingthe capsules therefrom toward said holding chuck, a rotatable chuck forgripping and rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck, means fordriving said'rotatable chuck, inking means for encircling the same withink or the like, said rotatable chuck being reciprocably mounted-formovement toward the capsule, an ejecting pin resiliently mounted thereinfor-ejecting the capsule with respect to the rotatable chuck when therotatable chuck is reciprocated away from the capsule, and a vacuumconnection to said holding chuck to aid in the receipt of the capsuletherein and in retention of the capsule as the rotating chuck isdisengaged therefrom.

' 18. A capsule encircling machine comprising a movable support forcapsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said support androtatable relative thereto, a

00- feed tube at one station of said machine, means for feeding a columnof capsulesthereto, means for supplying compressed air into said tubefor discharging the capsules therefrom toward said holding chucks, meansat another station of the machine for engaging and rotating the 0!!capsule held by said holding chuck, inking means for applying ink to thecapsule, said engaging and rotating means comprising a rotating chuckreciprocably mounted for movement toward the capsule, means for drivingsaid rotating chuck, a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aidinthe receipt of the capsule therein and in retention of the capsulewhen the rotating chuck is disengaged from the capsule, said supportcarrying the encircled capsule to a discharge station of the rotor, and

means at said station for engaging the capsule and knocking it out ofthe holding chuck as said support moves relative to said means.

19. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, aplurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor, afeed tube at one sta- 50 tion of said machine, means for feeding acolumn of capsules thereto and for discharging the capsules therefromtoward said holding chucks, means at another station of the machine forgripping and rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck, inkingmeans for applying ink to encircle the capsule, said gripping androtating means comand a projection at said station for engaging thecapsule 6 h disengage it from the holding chuck.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSRollings Mar. 23, 1937 Gladfelter et al. t. 14, 1943 reene et al an. 2,1945 Wahl Mar. 13, 1951 Wright et al. Feb. 12, 1952 Schener Dec. 30,1952 Fisher Jan. 6, 1953

